Dacia Sandero Stepway
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a small SUV that won’t break the bank? The Dacia Sandero Stepway might be exactly what you’re looking for. This rugged crossover style hatchback delivers surprising space and practicality at a price that puts premium rivals to shame. It’s the car for people who want SUV looks and versatility without the hefty price tag that usually comes with them.

From the moment you see it, the Stepway catches your eye with its raised ride height and chunky plastic cladding. It looks more adventurous than typical budget cars like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, giving you that commanding driving position many buyers crave. But the real surprise comes when you discover just how much space you get inside. The cabin feels genuinely roomy for a car in this price bracket, with enough headroom and legroom to keep everyone comfortable.

Driving the Stepway reveals a car that’s been engineered to be reliable and straightforward rather than exciting. The engines are smooth enough for daily driving, and the higher seating position makes navigating traffic easier than in conventional hatchbacks. It handles predictably and rides comfortably, soaking up bumps better than you might expect. While it may not have the badge appeal of more expensive alternatives, the Stepway proves that good value doesn’t have to mean compromise on the things that matter most.

What's the Dacia Sandero Stepway Like to Drive?

The Dacia Sandero Stepway focuses on efficiency and usability rather than outright performance. The engine lineup includes a 1.0 litre three cylinder petrol with around 90 horsepower, plus a more powerful turbocharged version producing 100 horsepower. Both engines deliver adequate performance for everyday driving. The naturally aspirated unit feels lively around town, while the turbo version provides better motorway refinement and overtaking ability. There’s also an innovative bi-fuel LPG option that can significantly reduce running costs.

Where the Stepway excels is in its real world usability. The raised driving position gives you excellent visibility in traffic and makes parking easier than in lower cars. The steering is light and manageable at low speeds, perfect for city driving and supermarket car parks. On longer journeys, the compact crossover rides smoothly and quietly, with well controlled body movements. It’s not sporty or engaging, but it’s competent and confidence inspiring. The higher ground clearance also means you can tackle rough tracks and steep driveways without scraping the bumper.

Inside the Dacia Sandero Stepway: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Stepway and you’ll find a cabin that feels surprisingly spacious and well thought out. The dashboard design is simple and functional, with clearly marked controls that are easy to use while driving. While the materials aren’t premium, they feel solid and durable. The higher seating position immediately makes the car feel more substantial than conventional hatchbacks. Standard equipment includes an 8 inch touchscreen with smartphone integration, making it easy to connect your phone for music and navigation.

The front seats offer good support and plenty of adjustment to help you find a comfortable driving position. Head and legroom are generous for both front and rear passengers, making this genuinely practical for families. One of the Stepway’s biggest strengths is how quiet and refined it feels on the move. Road noise is well suppressed, and the engines are smooth and unobtrusive. Air conditioning comes as standard across the range, along with electric front windows and remote central locking.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals that matter most to real world buyers. It offers exceptional space, comfort, and value in a package that looks more expensive than it actually is. The SUV styling and raised driving position give it genuine appeal over conventional hatchbacks, while the low running costs make it affordable to own long term.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Dacia Sandero Stepway Expensive to Run?

This is where the Sandero Stepway truly shines, offering exceptional value for money. The efficient engines deliver real world fuel economy in the mid 40s to low 50s MPG, keeping your fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are low, typically falling between groups 10-15, which means affordable premiums even for younger drivers. The bi-fuel LPG version can slash running costs even further, with LPG costing roughly half the price of petrol.

The biggest advantage is the low purchase price, starting from around £15,000 for a new model. This makes it thousands cheaper than rivals with similar space and equipment levels. Servicing costs are reasonable thanks to Dacia’s no-nonsense approach, and the three year warranty provides peace of mind. While depreciation can be steep initially, the low starting price means you haven’t got as far to fall. car finance options make the Stepway even more accessible, with affordable monthly payments that won’t stretch your budget.

Dacia Sandero Stepway Practicality & Boot Space

The Sandero Stepway punches well above its weight when it comes to practical space. The 328 litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for a small family. The rear seats fold down to create a usefully large load area when you need to carry bulky items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage pockets and cubbies for everyday items like phones, drinks, and documents.

Where the Stepway really excels is passenger space. Both front and rear seats offer generous room for adults, making this a genuinely comfortable car for four people on longer journeys. The high roofline and large windows create an airy, spacious feeling that rivals cars costing significantly more. For families or couples who need maximum space for minimum money, the Stepway makes a compelling case. Its compact external dimensions mean it’s still easy to park and manoeuvre in town, while offering much more space than you’d expect from used Dacia cars.

The Dacia Sandero Stepway stands out in the crowded small car market by offering something genuinely different. It combines SUV looks and practicality with hatchback running costs, creating a compelling package for value conscious buyers. The spacious interior, high driving position, and rock bottom purchase price make it an excellent choice for families who need maximum space for minimum outlay.

You choose the Stepway because it makes financial sense without feeling like a compromise on the important stuff. It’s roomy, comfortable, reliable, and cheap to run. While it may not have the sophisticated feel of premium alternatives, it delivers where it counts. For buyers who prioritise practicality and value over prestige, the Sandero Stepway represents outstanding value in today’s market.